Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.
San Marzano
Tomato
TomatoSolanum lycopersicum
- Full sun
- Zones 10–11
- 60 days to maturity
- Vegetables
- 24" spacing
- High water
- Annual
- pH 6–6.8
Overview
San Marzano tomatoes are a heritage Italian plum variety prized for sauce production. These elongated, deep red fruits mature in approximately 60 days and feature distinctly few seeds and thin walls—ideal characteristics for canning and paste-making. Known for their sweet flavor profile with notably low acidity and intense, concentrated tomato taste, San Marzanos are the traditional choice for authentic Italian sauces. While classified as hybrid here, true San Marzano varieties are often open-pollinated heirlooms. The plants require full sun and rich, well-drained soil, with moderate to difficult cultivation demands.
Planting
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Requires warm soil (65°F+) for transplanting.
Growing
Sun: full. Water: high. Soil pH: 6–6.8. Space plants 24" apart. Germination: 7-14.
Pests & diseases
Common pests: Tomato hornworm, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Common diseases: Late blight, early blight, fusarium wilt, bacterial canker.